Inclusion of tetrabutylammonium cations in a chiral thiazolium/triflate network: Solid state and solution structural investigation

A co-crystal of tetrabutylammonium and 3-[(2S)-2-methylbutyl]thiazolium bistriflate has been synthesized and the nature of the interactions between cations and anions has been studied in the solid state and in chloroform solutions. The cohesion of the crystal is ensured by a combination of H-bonds and electrostatic interactions. Indeed, the tetrabutylammonium cations are included in the H-bonds network linking all the thiazoliums and the triflates. In solution, the supramolecular structural organization is maintained to a great extent and a cage compound is formed, i.e. a lattice of thiazolium/triflate, connected via H-bonds, trapping and containing the tetrabutylammonium cation.